All about psoriasis - how to treat it, its causes and symptoms, types

For more than two thousand years, humanity has been trying to solve all the riddles of this severe dermatosis, but much remains unknown. According to statistics, this disease affects 4-7% of the population and is susceptible to both women and men. The first signs of psoriasis usually appear at puberty and accompany a person throughout their life, then subside and completely disappear and then increase.

Can Psoriasis Be Cured?Modern medicine has come a long way in treating this chronic dermatosis and is able to provide a decent quality of life for the patient.

Causes of psoriasmr

Psoriasis is a chronic dermatitis process that modern medicine calls autoimmune (involving allergies to its own tissues). There are several causes of psoriasis and predisposing factors for the development of dermatosis, in connection with which a number of theories have been presented.

Autoimmune

This is the main theory, as it is well established that the immune system actively responds to certain types of skin stress. The skin of people with psoriasis is very sensitive to mechanical, physical and chemical effects. Not only epithelial cells respond to such effects, but the entire immune system.

Cell immunity deteriorates: the ratio between each subtype of lymphocytes responsible for developing a normal immune response. So in psoriasis, the number of helper T lymphocytes increases - the number of helper regulators of immunity, while the number of suppressor T lymphocytes, suppressing a too strong immune response, decreases. Lymphocytes and some other cells produce a cytokine - an active substance that stimulates the immune response. Humoral immunity also suffers, an imbalance of antibodies (immunoglobulins) in the blood serum develops, and antibodies appear against the tissues of the patient's body.

Inflammation begins in the background of T lymphocyte activation, but why they are activated has not been established. The research also raises the question of how to suppress the autoimmune response without harming the patient.

Exchange

Metabolic imbalances significantly affect the skin and immunity. Patients with psoriasis have an accelerated metabolism, large amounts of toxic free radicals and other toxins that support the inflammatory response. Metabolic disorders:

• proteinaceous- the propensity gene, CDSN, stimulates the synthesis of the body's sensitizing (allergenic) protein corneodescosin; albumin protein content in the blood decreases and globulin content increases; this condition is called dysproteinemia and further increases sensitivity;
• greasy- increased levels of lipids and cholesterol in the blood; the use of predominantly plant foods and a general reduction in the caloric content of the daily diet may reduce the inflammatory activity of psoriasis;
• carbohydrate- are almost always violated;
• exchange of vitamins and minerals- increases the content of vitamin C in the skin, decreases the content of vitamins C, A, B6, B12, iron, copper and zinc in the blood.

Infectious

This theory was relevant in the early and middle of the last century. Certain bacteria (streptococci), fungi, and viruses have been considered pathogens of psoriasis. These theories have not been confirmed. But dermatologists note that any acute infectious process or the presence of a constant focus of infection can cause relapses. Virus theory occupies a special place. Recent studies have revealed the effects of retroviruses (RNA-containing viruses - HIV, etc. ) on genetic devices, with the development of barriers to psoriatic predisposition.

Genetic

The tendency to autoimmune reactions is inherited. If a person’s loved ones suffer from psoriasis, the chances of developing this disease increase many times over. There are genes for predisposition to psoriasis (local PSORS1 to PSORS9, PSORS1 complexes are particularly active, containing the HLA-C, HLA-Cw6, CCHCR1 and CDSN genes responsible for the development of the disease). Genes affect metabolism, immunity, and the development of autoimmune processes. But the presence of such genes does not guarantee the development of the disease at all. The effect of provocative factors is of great importance.

Neurogenic

Prolonged stress, high neuropsychological stress, disorders of the autonomic nervous system (innervation of the walls of blood vessels and internal organs) can cause the development of psoriasis, causing imbalances in the endocrine system, impaired metabolism and immunological processes.

Endocrine

Endocrine disorders are common in psoriasis and play a major provocative role. A clear relationship between the two has not been proven. Dermatologists note that patients often have dysfunction of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and pituitary gland. Menstrual disorders in women and sexual functions in men.

Symptoms of psoriasis

The main symptoms of psoriasis are rashes. But there are other signs. The very first manifestations usually occur in adolescence or childhood in the background of hormonal disorders, vegetative-vascular dystonia, and prolonged stress.

The disease begins with a feeling of constant fatigue, mood disorder. It is characterized by small, pink formations (papules) rising above the surface, powdered from above, with whitish peeling. They are surrounded by a lighter, towering rim.

The elements of the rash grow and merge into large plaques of strange shapes. The papula is based on inflammatory infiltration. According to the nature of the rash, psoriasis is divided into:

• point- elements up to 1 mm in diameter;
• tears- drops of papules up to 2 mm;
• coin shaped- round papules, up to 5 mm in size.

Characteristics of the rash:

• stearin stain- if scraped, the surface of the papules;
• terminal film- Thoroughly cleaning the surface of the papules from scales, we will see a transparent film;
• blood dew (Auspitz phenomenon)- after scraping the film together and violating its integrity, we will see small, bloody drops on its surface.

Stages of psorysmr

The disease has three stages:

1. advanced- the first elements of the rash appear, their number increases, all new areas are captured; rashes also appear when the itchy skin is scratched or exposed to some external irritants (Kebner phenomenon); in the initial stages of psoriasis, the papules begin to coalesce into large plaques;
2. stationary- there are no new elements and the previously published ones are not regressed;
3. decreasing- the rash turns pale, the base becomes less dense; the rash gradually regresses, the process often starting from the central part, so that the plaques may be ring-shaped; if the plaques in the psoriasis dissolve from the periphery to the center, they simply gradually decrease in size and a white ring is formed around them - Voronov's animal-atrial rim; where there was a rash, there remained white, pigmented areas - psoriasis leukoderma.

Occasionally, papules are present simultaneously on the skin at all three stages of development. There are also summer and winter forms that predominate in summer or winter.

Is Psoriasis Contagious?

Several studies have confirmed that this is not an infectious disease. If infectious pathogens are involved in its development, it is only through its overall effect on metabolism, immunity, and genetic devices.

Patients often ask:

• How does pikkelysmr spread?

  Psoriasis does not spread from humans.

• Is psoriasis inherited?

  The response is again negative, but there is an inherited predisposition in the form of metabolic characteristics and immune function that is passed on by close relatives.

Types of psoriasmr

The nature and location of the rash, damage to other organs and systems in this chronic dermatosis may be different. According to these indications, several types of disease are distinguished.

Simple (vulgar, plaque)

Most often. Symptoms are characteristic bright pink papules covered with white scales. Downwards, plaque psoriasis is divided into the following forms:

• easily- if the lesion covers up to 3% of the skin; in the progressive phase, the papules grow but then undergo rapid development in reverse;
• moderate- the rash is 3-10%; the papules are large, fusing into plaques;
• hard- the defeat reaches more than 10%; the rashes are numerous, united, and take many forms.

Vulgar psoriasis occurs in the form of relapses, alternating with remissions, but there is also an ongoing process.

Elbow psoriasis

This is a manifestation of a mild form of plaque inflammation. The distinguishing feature of psoriasis on the elbows is the constant presence of one or more "duty" plaques on the stretching side of the elbows. If these elements are damaged, aggravation begins.

Guttate psoriasis

Bacterial (most commonly streptococcus) and viral infections are of great importance in the development of guttate psoriasis. Occurs in childhood. Inflammation begins after infection. Streptococci secrete toxins (antigens - substances that are foreign to the human body) that bind to tissue proteins. Antibodies are produced against them and autoimmune inflammation develops.

The onset is acute. Tiny, red, flaky papules appear on the skin of the limbs (rarely the body and face). Injuries to the rash result in small erosions and wounds, increasing the risk of infection.

Psoriasis is rapidly subacute and chronic. Relapses are replaced by remissions, and independent healing or transition to the adult form of the disease is possible.

Palmar-plantar psoriasis

It develops in those who do physical work, is accompanied by severe itching, and almost always causes complications for the nails. There are subspecies:

• plaque fan shape- with large elements on the surface of the palms and soles, covered with white scales, melting into fan-shaped plaques; such psoriasis on the hands is more common;
• circular- annular scaly elements on the surface of the palm and sole;
• hard- the growth of the coarse husk is characterized by the formation of maize;

A separate subspecies is pustular psoriasis on the palms and soles of Barber. The areas under the thumb of the limbs are covered with vesicles and pustules (with purulent contents), severe itching appears. The abscesses fuse and then dry out to form crusts. Typical psoriatic elements develop in other parts of the body. The disease often spreads to the nails.

The psoriasis on the legs persists and worsens in the varicose veins, in which case the rash will be mainly on the lower leg.

Nail psoriasis

Nail damage can be independent or a complication. Typical symptoms:

• small pits of different depths appear on the nail plate; similar nail lesions are found in other dermatitis, but the psoriasis lesions are deeper and slightly painful when pressed;
• spontaneous slow, painless separation of the nail (onycholysis);
• subungual bleeding in the toenailsen, especially if the patient is wearing tight shoes;
• trachyonychia - blurring and irregularities on the nail plate; a depression will form in the middle of the nail and the nail will be like a spoon (koilonychia).

The periungual cervix is affected by the transition of inflammation to other tissues (psoriatic paronychia).

Scalp psoriasis

Here, the disease progresses independently or as part of a general pathological process. Leakage characterizes the formation of the cortex on parts or the entire surface of the head. Hair growth is not affected at the same time: psoriasis on the head does not impair the function of the hair roots. But the leak carries a risk of infection with subsequent damage to the hair follicles.

It flows in waves and then attenuates with the disappearance of the cortex, then aggravates again and is accompanied by severe itching, often leading to patients with neurosis.

Seborrheic psoriasis

Seborrhea is a condition caused by failure of the sebaceous glands that produce sebum. A viscous oil is formed, irritates the skin and contributes to the development of inflammation - dermatitis.

Seborrheic psoriasis quickly spreads all over the head, covering it in the form of a cap, and is accompanied by severe itching. In the areas behind the ear, crying sometimes develops and an infection joins. The head covered with bran and solid bark sometimes looks like a psoriasis crown.

Psoriasis on the face

Usually, psoriasis on the face is localized above the nasolabial triangle, the eyelids, the eyebrows, and the areas behind the ear. The fused elements of the rash form large areas of redness and swelling. If you have problems with your sebaceous glands, the process is often accompanied by crying, crusting, and an increased risk of infection.

Psoriasis of the genitals

This is not an isolated process. Concomitant with genital defeat, characteristic psoriasis rashes appear throughout the body, so it is not difficult to identify the disease.

Psoriasis, which appears on the penis in men and on the labia majora and adjacent areas of the skin, manifests itself in the form of oval, pink scaly papules that rise slightly above the skin. There is virtually no itching. Sometimes the process spreads to the mucous membranes and looks like vulvovaginitis in women and balanoposthitis in men.

In obese people, atypical psoriatic rashes can be observed in the folds adjacent to the genitals (inguinal, intergluteal). Here, intensely red areas with a mirror-like surface are formed due to constant wetting without any signs of peeling.

What is the risk of psoriasis and should it be treated

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The danger is that psoriasis can become widespread, with rashes occupying more than 10% of the integument. This stage of the disease is severe, relapses, the elements of the rash are damaged and wet, and infection is often associated. The treatment for psoriasis can only be stopped in time to spread its spread.

The disease is sometimes complicated by inflammation of the joints and arthritis of the psoriasis, which can significantly impair joint function.

In the background of the systemic autoimmune process, which has a significant impact on the patient's condition, often other autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, certain types of arthrosis, Crohn's disease, etc. ), as well as severe cardiovascular pathologies, gastrointestinal, neurological reactions.

If you do not start treating psoriasis on time, the patient’s condition will deteriorate dramatically and lead to disability.

There are also complications such as psoriasis erythroderma, which develops due to improper or insufficient treatment of psoriasis and inflamed skin due to various irritating factors. The skin gets a bright pink color, clearly demarcating the affected areas from healthy, small and large lamellar peels. Such a patient requires urgent medical attention.

Is psoriasis treated?

Yes, and quite successfully, but full recovery is not guaranteed.

Treatment methods

Autoimmune inflammation requires individually selected complex therapy, lifestyle changes, diet, and the elimination of all bad habits. Modern medicine has proposed three principles for the successful treatment of psoriasis:

• strict adherence to prescribed therapy algorithms;
• regular monitoring of the effectiveness of therapy;
• with insufficient effectiveness of timely correction of prescribed therapy.

Nutrition for psoriasis

There is no separate diet for psoriasis, but nutrition is of great importance. Therefore, when prescribing a complex treatment, it is necessary to give recommendations for nutrition:

• identify the body’s increased sensitivity to certain foods and exclude them from the diet;
• give preference to fresh vegetables, non-acidic fruits and berries, cooked and fried lean meats, drink more;
• what not to eat with psoriasis:
  1. products containing essential oils - onions, garlic, radishes;
  2. beverages containing caffeine (concentrated tea, coffee), alcohol;
  3. all salty, more sour and sweet, rich;
  4. products that promote sensitivity (allergenicity) of the body - orange fruits, honey, nuts, cocoa, eggs;
  5. do not eat fatty animal products.

Pegano diet for psoriasis

This diet was developed by American doctor John Pegano but found no official medical recognition. The principle of building the Pegano diet is associated with psoriasis to alkalize the body by choosing the right diet. According to this principle, each product is divided into:

• alkaline formation (two-thirds of the daily diet) - non-acidic mixtures of fruits and berries, fruit juices, vegetables (except those that cause increased gas formation);
• acid generator (one-third of the diet) - meat, fish, dairy products, beans, peas, potatoes, cereals, sweets and cakes.

Patients are advised to drink mineral water without gas, up to 1. 5 liters of water per day, plus other drinks (compotes, juices, etc. )

Drug therapy

Mild psoriasis can be treated with topical medications. Severe and rapidly progressing forms of the disease are mainly treated in hospital settings by prescribing drugs with general (systemic) effects.

Treatment of external psoriasis

The drug is selected by a dermatologist. For vulgaris psoriasis with dry, shrinking plaques, ointments are suitable; if a leak develops (with seborrhea), creams and medicated solutions are used. The body changes over time to avoid resistance to certain medicines.

In the acute (progressive) phase, the following external therapy is performed:

• emollients - boron petrolatum, 2% salicylic acid ointment;
• Effective non-hormonal ointments for psoriasis containing active zinc pyrithionate; suppress infection and exert a cytostatic (suppress tissue proliferation) effect;
• external agents containing glucocorticosteroid (GCS) hormones;
• a combination agent with calcipotriol (an analogue of vitamin D3) and corticosteroids, betamethasone; perfectly suppresses the inflammatory process.

External treatment of psoriasis in a standing position:

• ointments that dissolve scales (keratolytic) and have an anti-inflammatory effect - 5% naphthalene, boron naphthalene, tar naphthalene;
• corticosteroid drugs.

External treatment of psoriasis in the dissolution phase:

• the same keratolytic ointments but in higher concentrations: 10% tar-naphthalene ointments;
• ointments based on vitamin D3 analogues - within 6-8 weeks; suppresses the inflammatory process and exfoliation of the rash.

Special varnishes are used to treat psoriasis of the nails, which suppress the development of the pathological process. It is recommended to treat periungual phalanges with moisturizing gels.

Treat the psoriasis system

• drugs that relieve inflammation and poisoning - calcium chloride, sodium thiosulfate, unitiol injections;
• psoriasis tablets that suppress proliferative processes (proliferation of epithelial cells) - cytostatics that suppress the activity of the immune system, vitamin A analogues, corticosteroid hormones;
• biological agents containing IgG class human monoclonal antibodies act by suppressing the synthesis of cytokines on certain sites of inflammation; it is a very effective modern medicine that is given by injection;
• vitamins for psoriasis help restore metabolism and keratinization of epithelial cells; doctors prescribe vitamins A, E, D3, group B.

Folk remedies for psoriasis

Any treatment for psoriasis, including the use of folk remedies, should only be prescribed by a doctor. Self-treatment can have the opposite effect: the spread of the disease.

The following methods can be used as part of complex therapy:

• fat- product of refining industrial oils; to make the ointment, you must buy medical solid oil at a pharmacy; recipe: 0, 5 kg of solid oil add 50 g of honey and half a pack of baby cream; the procedures are performed daily; you can buy solidol-based finished products at the pharmacy.
• baking soda- folk remedy for psoriasis, which helps to clean the bark, relieves itching; Soda bicarbonate recipe: take 60 g of soda, dissolve in 0. 5 liters of water, soak a gauze cloth in the solution, fold up in several layers and apply the lesion for 20 minutes; after the procedure, wipe the skin and apply any emollient ointment; psoriasis is treated with soda once a day;
• mummy- has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, relieves itching well; once daily oral, 0, 2 g for two weeks; the external therapy is performed with a mummy solution; applied twice a day to dry itchy plaques; the treatment of psoriasis on the head is performed by rinsing the scalp with a mummy solution after washing;
• sea salt- relieves inflammation and itching well; bathing with sea salt: take 1 kg of salt, dilute in two liters of water and add to the bath; Bathe for 15 minutes, then rinse the solution in a warm shower, wipe the body with a towel and apply emollient ointment; to treat psoriasis with a bath up to twice a week;
• clay- has a pronounced cleansing effect, adsorbing toxins on its surfaces as a result of inflammation and improper metabolism; helps to dry out, eliminates crusts and itching; you can pick up any kind of clay, but you better buy blue clay at a pharmacy; the pieces of clay should be well dried, broken with a hammer, diluted with water and left to stand for a few hours; place the resulting plate-like clay on a napkin (up to 3 cm thick) and apply to foci of inflammation for three hours; to treat psoriasis with clay every ms day.

Important: Home treatment for psoriasis with folk remedies should be performed carefully and strictly according to your doctor’s prescription. Such treatment can help one patient while the other can cause exacerbation and rapid spread of inflammation. Therefore, if the patient's condition worsens in the background of therapy, he or she should be stopped immediately and a physician should be consulted.

Treat your psoriasis at home

When treating psoriasis at home, it is important to follow dietary recommendations, lead a healthy lifestyle, rule out bad habits, and strictly follow all of the dermatologist’s prescriptions.

How to cure psoriasis at home? Some patients try to clean toxins and toxins by all sorts of unusual methods (enemas, etc. ). This can have the exact opposite result: the digestive system stops working and aggravation begins. Modern medicine recognizes cleansing the body in the form of proper nutrition and getting rid of bad habits.

It is important to follow all of your doctor’s prescriptions and pay attention to how the prescribed therapy works. If it is not effective enough, your doctor will switch you to treatment, achieving the maximum therapeutic effect.